Baking a Difference: My First Foray into Social Entrepreneurship

When Germaine Tan had a health issue in 2022, she decided to reassess her life goals.

The certified WSQ baker-trainer elaborated, “I’ve always known that at some point, I would want to share my knowledge and skills with those who are not as privileged, with the hope that they will be able to use the knowledge and skills to help them make a living.

“Baking has always been therapeutic for me, and I strongly believe that this aspect of the baking process can help those who need a certain amount of calm, mindfulness and focus.”

It was then that the opportunity to work at The Helping Hand presented itself.

The Helping Hand is a Christian halfway house in Singapore that focuses on rehabilitating ex-offenders. To expand its revenue streams and provide more jobs for its residents, the organisation started a cafe called Hands Cafe in September 2024.

And that was Germaine’s first foray into social entrepreneurship.
 

THE KNEAD FOR GROWTH

While The Helping Hand had already been running a bakery before starting Hands Cafe, Germaine saw that retraining was needed to improve product quality and reduce waste.

At the same time, she also had to ensure that the ingredients used were of suitable quality while keeping to a low budget.

“This included reviewing, correcting, and readjusting some recipes to improve the quality and taste and shorten the process while ensuring standards were met,” Germaine highlighted.

However, while baking was Germaine’s expertise, managing a social enterprise was not.

Speaking about the specific challenges that she faces, Germaine explained, "The biggest challenge is managing the volatile workforce shortage. Losing a team member is a common happening, and it affects the whole operation."

“This is critical, especially when there are huge orders, and it is a significant challenge that must be sorted out quickly, as orders need to be fulfilled regardless.”
 

WHISKING UP SUCCESS

To ensure the sustainability of the business, her boss introduced her to RESSEC’s Specialist Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship (SDSE).

SDSE was founded to empower social entrepreneurs and social service leaders to leverage businesses to contribute meaningfully to society in a sustainable and impactful way.

“As a newcomer to the social service sphere, it was a valuable opportunity to learn from my experienced coursemates and industry experts, applying their insights along with what I learnt from the course to my work and serve the ministry,” Germaine affirmed.

She continued, “SDSE has shed light on the multifaceted nature of social enterprise. Previously, I saw it as a vehicle for aiding the less privileged. However, I now understand that it's not just about providing help, but also about generating revenue to ensure the sustainability of its mission.”

The course which first started in 2024 is now accepting applications for its next cohort.
 

BAKING WITH PURPOSE

Despite the challenges, Germaine is determined to stay true to her mission.

“I love what I am doing and am doing what I love,” she expressed. “I feel blessed and privileged to serve in this ministry and hope that, in some ways, I can touch some lives - at least one, if not many.”

“Through my interaction and relationship with them, I hope they will be inspired and be able to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life when they finish their programme at the halfway house and reintegrate back into society.”